Moving to Portland, Or (Gresham, Beaverton: renting, crime rate, unemployment)

[mommypirtle]

Hey everyone. My family and I(my husband, two daughter and myself) aare wanting to move to Oregon. We have narrowed it down to around Portland, but dont want to live in the big city. I would really like some recommendations. We like outskirts, suburbia of a big city. We love the outdoors anfd definitly DO NOT like expensive places. Plan on renting for awhile to we really find a place we love. I would love some ideas. So far I know Hillsboro is horrible. Can anyone help?
mommypirtle
ps coming from texas, so i would love to get alittle away from the beach and more towards mountains or hiking areas.

[juggler]

First of all, I assume you have a job lined up. You should probably use your work location as a basis for your residence search. I wouldn't want to work in Gresham and live in Beaverton. Moving here without a job and hoping to just "wing it" for a while is not wise unless you have a stash of cash saved up.

Second, Hillsboro is not horrible. Suburbia yes, but horrible, no. What is your basis for this?

Third, coming from Texas (as I did 7 years ago), it WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE to live here. Be prepared for some sticker shock on just about everything, especially housing and food prices.

Finally, anywhere around the Portland area will be both close to the beach and mountains. And arguably prettier beaches and mountains than what Texas has. The best of both worlds.

[davefr]

Originally Posted by mommypirtle

So far I know Hillsboro is horrible.

Then you don't know much. Have you ever actually explored or researched entire Hillsboro area? It varies from "street of dreams" to very affordable.

It offers excellent MAX access.

The surrounding areas offers some of the most beautiful country in the valley with the rolling hills that butt up to the Chehalem Mtns and coastal range.

The core downtown area is revitalized and the county seat keeps the economy going. The crime rate is about half the US average, declining trend and well below surrounding areas like Portland.

Unemployment is high but slightly better then the state average and Portland. Oregon's high tech is centered around Hillsboro so you tend to get a higher ratio of professionals and educated workforce.

[Smiled]

Why do you think Hillsboro is horrible? In what way?

[Minervah]

Do you have a job waiting for you or are you planning to live off savings. In any case Hillsboro is a good place because there is a large choice for housing and is close enough to Portland so a short trip is all it takes.

I too wonder why the "Hillsboro is horrible" comment?

[philwithbeard]

This is just my opinion, but people who come from a state like Texas seem to be shocked by the strictly enforced urban growth limits the State of Oregon as in place around the Portland area. Inside the growth boundary limits property lots will be smaller than you are use to.

North of the Columbia River, around Vancouver, Washington, there is no growth limits in place, but the commute into Portland is just plain nasty. (well except for the east side with I-205 into East Vancouver, then it is only ugly.)

And by the way, since I got to Portland, I have found the Political Will is to NOT improve the roads in order to further discourage far out suburban growth. I hope your job location, and your tolerance for hours spent in commuting traffic, will allow you to find the rural life style you seek.

Phil